The deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia could spill over onto the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
According to multiple reports from Bangkok, the Cambodians could either withdraw or be barred from competing in the biennial meet that the Thais will host this December due to safety concerns.
Deadly clashes have erupted between Thai and Cambodian forces along the border in Ubon Ratchathani and Surin provinces in northeastern Thailand over the past couple of weeks. In fact, at least 34 casualties with over 130 injured have already been reported.
But what’s making the situation even worse is the collapse of diplomatic ties between the Thai and Cambodian leaders. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra accused former Cambodian leader Hun Sen of leaking a sensitive phone conversation that led to the suspension of his daughter, Paetongtarn, who is the incumbent Thai prime minister.
With Paetongtarn suspended, Phumtham Wechayachai took over as Acting Prime Minister and stressed in a press conference that the border clashes “could develop into a war.”
Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said they need to carefully deliberate Cambodia’s participation in the SEA Games that will be held from 9 to 20 December.
“I am worried about the escalating violence, following the clashes between Thailand and Cambodia,” Thienthong told Thai PBS World in a report over the weekend.
“It could impact Thailand’s role as SEA Games host, especially regarding the safety of Cambodian athletes during the event.”
The Thai official noted that if ever, it won’t be the first time for the Cambodians to be absent in Thailand’s hosting of the Games. They also withdrew from the inaugural SEA Games in 1959 due to Preah Vihear Temple dispute with the Thais.
Cambodian athletes are supposed to march to the SEA Games with high morale.
After dwelling the cellar of this 11-nation event for four decades, the Cambodians finally became relevant when they hosted the event in 2023. They emerged with their best performance ever, grabbing 81 gold, 74 silver and 127 bronze medals for a fourth-place finish behind Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.
The Philippines, on the other hand, finished fifth with 58 gold, 86 silver, and 116 bronze medals for its most productive participation ever outside the country.
Prior to the recent clashes, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) was excited to compete in Thailand’s hosting of the Games.
NOCC secretary general Vath Chamroeun stressed that they will send a big delegation of 1,515 athletes, coaches and officials with the mission of duplicating or surpassing their recent performance.
“Sports are not linked to political issues or other matters that would affect the sporting movement,” Chamroeun told Cambodian newspaper, The Phnom Penh Post, in June.
“Thailand’s Olympic Committee, which is organizing the 2025 SEA Games, affirmed at the council meeting that Cambodia, like all other regional countries, will continue to be warmly welcomed and is expected to participate as usual.”
He added that the border tension should not affect the relationship between Thai and Cambodian athletes.
“As for the SEA Games in December 2025 in Thailand, we see no change to our plans,” he added, adding that sports is meant to foster camaraderie, unity and sportsmanship regardless of political belief, race and religion.
“Our athletes are still preparing normally for official participation. We hope the border situation improves, but either way, we are proceeding with regular preparations.”
“We’ve seen athletes from war-torn countries like Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan still allowed to compete in the Olympic Games. That’s the Olympic spirit — it transcends war or peace.”